Arizona Housing Inc.

Arizona Housing, Inc.'s (AHI) mission is to assist individuals and families to attain self-sufficiency through the provision of dignified housing and services. We provide permanent supportive housing-combining affordable housing with case management and supportive services to address the needs of extremely low-income individuals and families.

Since 1995, AHI has worked toward its vision of ensuring everyone having an address. To date, AHI has developed 616 units of permanent supportive housing at five sites in Phoenix, AZ. Our strategic approach is client centered - meeting individuals where they are and creating opportunities to maximize their future, independence, personal responsibility, and self-sufficiency.

AHI collaborates with many other agencies to address the growing issue of homelessness and housing affordability. What sets us apart is our longevity and expertise in serving individuals living at or below 50% of area median income (AMI) with additional challenges such as serious mental illness, physical disabilities, substance abuse issues and criminal records. Currently, 90% of all tenants are living at 30% of area median income ($16,600 or less), and many are elderly and/or veterans. We serve the most challenging clients, providing them a home and comprehensive support with the goal of improving not only their life, but that of our larger community. Through our unique community-building strategies, we help this diverse, and vulnerable population of individuals to transition out of "survival mode" and begin to effectively address needs, and build trust-leading to self-determined life stability such as improved physical/behavioral health (e.g., decreased substance abuse), and ultimately sustained self-sufficiency.

As a result, the surrounding communities and businesses benefit in a myriad of ways, including economic and safety outcomes. As these previously chronically homeless individuals experience stability, they visit hospitals, emergency departments, and detox units less frequently, are less involved with law enforcement, and free up space in emergency shelters. AHI's outcomes align with national studies (Housing is the Best Medicine, CSH, 2014) demonstrating significant cost savings on health and emergency services when comparing individuals in permanent affordable housing versus those living on the street. By investing in AHI's comprehensive permanent supportive housing program, you will help ensure housing stability for the most vulnerable, while having a positive economic impact on the larger community.